Chapter 31
Chapter Thirty-One
Three weeks later…
So much had changed for the better since Sky agreed to stay in Roseview. But none of it seemed real or final until he saw Kayla get off the train at the station in Southampton.
The town was still buzzing about Sarina and Lexie’s big announcement and Mason’s quieter bombshell.
All of the gossip was favorable and everyone was delighted, according to Nadine and Adele.
It had helped that Bill Walston put up a big banner in the hardware store, congratulating the new brides-to-be and was handing out a free rose with every purchase.
Apparently, he was thrilled about retiring and hitting the road in his new RV.
Even Sam was taking the news in stride, telling anyone who would listen that he was going to have two moms and sleep in the hardware store.
Sky had explained several times that no one was sleeping in the hardware store, but Sam didn’t appreciate the nuance.
Thankfully, he did not bat an eye when Mason explained that Sky would be staying over with them from now on and sleeping in Mason’s room with him.
“Sina and I never let Sam see us as that kind of couple,” Mason explained to Sky after Sam had gone to bed and they were turning in for the night.
“We knew he’d notice and eventually have questions.
So we explained that families didn’t always look the same.
Some families only have one parent or two parents of the same sex.
Some parents are married and love each other in a kissy, romantic way.
Some parents are just really good friends who want to have a child together. ”
“I like that!” Sky had marveled at how smart that was and how much easier life would be for everyone if more parents raised their children to be open-minded about families from an early age. “That’s going to come in handy for Sam later. This family isn’t capable of being normal.”
For Sky, family also meant Kayla. She had been his rock since college, and nothing was final until she came to Roseview and gave Sky her blessing.
He couldn’t officially commit to Mason and living in Roseview without showing her everything, introducing her to everyone, and hearing her feedback.
The two halves of his world had to collide, and he had to find some way to unite them because Sky’s life wouldn’t be complete without her.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” he said as they hugged. “Thanks for everything.”
“Thank you for inviting me! It’s been too long since I got out of the city.”
“I’ve got these,” Sky insisted, taking her backpack, duffle bag, and the handle of her rolling suitcase. “Our ride’s out there,” he said with a nod at the sliding glass doors.
Once outside, she pulled in a deep breath. Kayla whistled as she shielded her eyes and took in the view. “This is Southampton? It’s really cute! I think I can see the beach.”
She leaned and rose on her toes before turning and giving him a once over. “You look different!” Her eyes narrowed and she made a knowing sound. “I am detecting signs of happiness,” she said accusatively before throwing her arms around his neck. “I’ve missed you, but this is so awesome!”
Sky laughed as he attempted to hug her back with his free arm. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you and how glad I am that you’re here.”
Kayla leaned away and raised a brow. “Did you lure me here for an editing emergency? You promised me the weekend of my dreams if I supervised your move and delivered your ‘Box of Shame’ and hard drives.”
“I promise, I did not lure you here to work.” Sky turned them towards the parking lot, where Mason was waiting with the Range Rover.
“That’s Mason,” he said out of the side of his mouth.
“My former brother-in-law and future…husband? I haven’t decided if I’m the marrying type or if I want us to be eccentric, aging roommates. ”
She held up a hand and smiled cheerfully as she waved at Mason, but she purred in approval. “I see why your dignity and your morals were at stake. He could convince me to do shameful things in a cemetery,” she whispered, making Sky roll his eyes.
“We’ve never done anything in a cemetery,” he muttered back and she smothered a giggle.
“Saving that for an anniversary?”
Sky clenched his jaw, refusing to laugh, but Kayla was in tears when they reached the Range Rover. “It’s nice to finally meet the notorious Mason in person. I’m Kayla,” she said as she held her arms up for a hug.
He immediately lowered and scooped her into a tight embrace. “I have been looking forward to this for years! Sky’s told me everything about you. If there is anything you need while you’re here, let me know.”
“Has he?” Kayla scowled at Sky. “I could barely get him to talk about you, but I think I remember him saying that you’re mayor?” Kayla said as he led her to the passenger seat and opened the door for her.
“I am but everyone in Roseview has known me my whole life, so I’m not that important. But I can get you anything you need faster than UberEats. Buckle up, it’s about a twenty-five minute drive to Roseview,” he told her, then got the back door for Sky and loaded up Kayla’s luggage.
They spent the drive catching up. Kayla was enamored with Roseview’s cozy, boutique village charm and the quieter beaches. And she was stunned when they parked in front of the Sutton House and Sky explained that she would have most of the place to herself.
“Why do you ever come back to the city?” she asked for the tenth time when she was shown into the library.
“You haven’t met my mother yet. But help yourself to whatever you want.
We’re going to give the whole place an update, then pass the house onto Sam when he’s older.
” He nodded at Mason as he paused by the door with Kayla’s luggage.
“I thought you’d enjoy the pool house. It’s been remodeled recently, and you can see the beach from the bedroom.
It’s just a few steps to the main house and the pool. ”
“You weren’t lying about it being the weekend of my dreams.” Kayla laughed, shaking her head at Sky. “I know it wasn’t easy growing up here and that your parents were hard on you, but I’m glad this is yours now. You’re getting the last laugh, babe.”
“I guess I am…” he said slowly, considering how much it must have eaten at Stewart to know that Sky would one day inherit half of the vast Sutton estate and be the one to carry on the family name.
If only he knew how his and Lance's lies and their relationship would twist and entangle the lives of everyone around them and future generations.
“I still feel like collateral damage but this helps. And therapy,” he added with a pointed look.
“A mansion on the beach definitely helps.” She gave his ribs a poke, so he knew she was kidding. “You aren’t staying here?”
“No, I’m staying at Mason’s until all the renovations are done and we’re ready to move here as a family,” he said with an incredulous laugh. “Can you believe that? Does it sound right to you, or totally bonkers?”
“I think it’s pretty fantastic, so far.”
Sky wrinkled his nose. “That’s what I was hoping, but you have to tell me if I missed something. Promise?”
Kayla groaned sympathetically, resting her hands on his shoulders.
“Of course, my love! I’ll always have your back.
I already know that this is where you belong, though.
Your mother might be awful, but you’re a hero here, and you have a mansion on the beach.
The mayor is fine and a menace at a family function. What is there to miss?”
“He’s a reformed menace,” Sky said defensively and tapped his lips.
“He might be lurking, waiting for something to do,” he added quietly, then cleared his throat as he reached for her hand.
“As I said, we’re remodeling. I was hoping you’d like the pool house and want to stay, too, because I can’t move home and live here without you. ”
Her head snapped back and her brow furrowed. “Me? You don’t need m—”
“Yes, I do,” Sky insisted. “I would lose my mind here without you. You’re my…Sarina. I can’t imagine building a life and starting a new adventure without you. Mason and his dad will do anything you want with the pool house, and you can have your own office next to mine.”
“Aww! My love!” She wound her arms around his middle and hugged him tightly. “I’m so flattered, but what would I do here?”
“I need help and should have hired an assistant a long time ago!” Sky confided.
“Or an author manager. Is that a thing? There’s no one I trust more but it’s up to you.
You’re one of the best editors in the business and everyone knows you.
You could do just about anything you want!
” Sky replied. “You could work remotely or you can commute into the city a few days a week. I plan to keep our shoebox so we have a place to crash there.”
“Your assistant?” she echoed, nodding slowly.
Sky flashed her a sheepish smile. “I’ve never had to balance a relationship with my career before.
I don’t want to screw this up, now that it’s actually happening.
I’d pay you really well, and you can live in the pool house—or just about anywhere in this house—for free for as long as you want,” he offered in a hasty rush.
“Holy—! Wow!” Kayla fanned her eyes and whispered several more wows. “That’s a very generous offer. It’s a lot, though, and really sudden.”
“It is,” Sky agreed. “That’s why I wanted you to have a weekend to think it over and explore Roseview. I also want to give you all the dirt and latest gossip, so you know exactly what you’re getting into if you do stay.”
“That isn’t so scary. I’m definitely curious,” she replied as her neck stretched toward the French doors. “Is that the pool house on the other side of that gorgeous English garden?”
Sky pumped a fist excitedly. “It is, and I saved the big guns for later. You are going to fall in love with Sam. We’re having dinner with him and Sarina at Mason’s tonight. Tomorrow, you’re spending the day at the spa and getting a private tour of the winery.”
“Oh, you monster!” she gasped and clutched her chest. “An adorable toddler, a spa, and a winery? Maybe I will stay…”
That was Sky’s wish, and for once, he was feeling bold and optimistic. Fate—in the form of his sister and Lexie—had given him a chance at happily ever after with the man of his dreams. Sky was going to have it all, with his best friend at his side.